Apparatus for tapering the ends of spring leaves and the like



Dec. 25, 1956 R KRAUSE F. APPARATUS FOR TAPERING THE ENDS OF SPRINGLEAVES AND THE LIKE! Filed July 6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR FRANKR. KRAUSE BY zwf ATTORNEY Dec. 25, 1956 F R KRAUSE 2, 775,152

APPARATUS FOR 'I APERING THE ENDS OF SPRING LEAVES AND THE LIKE FiledJuly 6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR FR ANK R. KRAUSE ATTO EY Dec. 25,1956 F. R. KRAUSE 2,775,152

APPARATUS FOR TAPERING THE ENDS OF SPRING LEAVES AND THE LIKE Filed July6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 HH HIHH HHIHIIHI INVENTOR FRANK R. KRAUSE Dec.25, 1956 F. R. KRAUSE 2,775,152 APPARATUS FOR TAPERING THE ENDS OFSPRING LEAVES AND THE LIKE Flled July 6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 In 2 I, v

FRANK R. KRAUSE United States Patent APPARATUS FOR TAPERING THE ENDS 0FSPRING LEAVES AND THE LIKE Frank R. Krause, New Castle, Pa., assignor toThe McKay hgagliline Company, Youngstown, Ohio, a corporation 0 toApplication July 6, 1955, Serial No. 520,197

Claims. (Cl. 80-40) The present invention relates to metal workingmachincry, and more particularly to a novel and improved apparatus foruse in connection with the manufacture of multi-element leaf springs,for example, for tapering the end portions of the individual springleaves.

In the manufacture of t automotive vehicles for example, it is common toemploy so-called semi-elliptic suspension springs. Springs of this classcomprise a plurality of arcuate spring leaves mounted in superimposedrelation and of diminishing length from top to bottom. It is generalpractice in the manufacture of such springs to taper the end portions ofthe shorter leaves on the outer or exposed surface so that a moreuniform distribution of stresses is obtained, and for other reasons. Thepresent invention therefore has as its primary or ultimate object theprovision of an improved apparatus which is capable of mass productionoperation and which is operative in an improved manner to taper the endportions of spring leaves as desired.

One of the more specific objects of the invention resides in theprovision of a novel apparatus for tapering the ends of spring leaves,including means to provide a continuous feeding of the spring leafblanks, which is characterized by a novel arrangement of metal Workingheads or stations whereby both ends of a spring leaf may besimultaneously tapered in the desired manner. In this respect, theinvention contemplates the provision of means to feed spring leaf blankstransversely toward and into the end point station and of means at suchstation to simultaneously act on the opposite ends of the blank toeffect the pointing thereof.

As mentioned above, the conventional semi-elliptic spring assemblycomprises a plurality of individual spring leaves of various lengths.Therefore it is necessary, in order to obtain a universal and versatileapparatus to provide for proper adjustment of the metal working headsand allied equipment; and it is one of the important specific objects ofthis invention to provide an improved apparatus which includes readilyadjustable means for the accommodation of spring leaf blanks of allsizes, within predetermined limits. In addition, the inventioncontemplates the provision of a novel arrangement for quickly and easilyadjusting the angle or degree of taper provided, it being generallydesirable to alter the angle of taper in some proportion to the lengthof the spring leaf.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel apparatusfor tapering the end portions of spring leaves and the like wherein isemployed a plurality of reducing rolls which are arranged to, act upon aspring leaf blank to etfect a progressively increasing reduction in itsthickness to obtain the desired taper characteristic. The invention, inthis respect, embodies some of the basic teachings of my prior patents,of which U. S. Patents No. 2,161,064 and No. 2,701,976 may be consideredrepresentative; These prior patents illustrate the use of reducing rollswhich are opposed by back-up cams and which. are adapted uponlongitudinal movement of the cams to roll along the surface of the stockwhile being displaced in- 2,775,152 Patented Dec. 25, 1956 wardlythereof by the cams. In the present case cams of progressivelyincreasing displacement are provided so that as the reducing rolls movelongitudinally along the end portions of a spring leaf blank the rollsare moved to effect a progressively greater reduction, resulting in thedesired taper.

One of the more specific objects of the present invention is theprovision of an apparatus of the: general type described above which isarranged in a novel manner for effecting a progressively increasingreduction upon the end portion of a spring leaf blank, upon one sideonly of the blank. Thus, in the conventional semi-elliptic springassembly it is desirable that each leaf have full contact with the nextlarger leaf, so that one side or surface of the blank must be flat. Tothis end, the invention provides a novel anvil arrangement whereby flatsupport is provided for one surface of the blank, with a single reducingroll being moved over the top of the anvil and progressively toward thesame.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of thegeneral type described above which includes means capable of quick andeasy adjustment for altering the angle of taper effected upon the springblank ends.

Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of acomplete apparatus for tapering the end portions of spring leaf blanks,including conveyor means to provide a continuous supply of unpreparedblanks, wherein is provided a novel arrangement for heating the endportions of the spring blanks prior to the reducing operation.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon full consideration of the following detailed specificationand accompanying drawing wherein is disclosed a certain preferredembodiment of the invention. In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus constructed Figure 4 is anend elevation of the apparatus of Figure 3; and t Figure 5 is anenlarged fragmentary view of a conveyor or feeding device forming partof the apparatus of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawing, the reference numeral 10 represents thedischarge end of a strip processing line, not specifically shown, whichfeeds strip steel material into a suitable shear device 11 which isadapted to shear a transverse section from a length of longitudinallymoving strip, substantially in the form indicated at 12. At the exitside of the shear 11 is provided a longitudinally moving conveyorapparatus generally designated by the reference numeral 13 which carriesa plurality of spring leaf blanks, in a continuous manner, through apair of ovens or furnaces 14 and 15 arranged to embrace the end portionsof the blanks 12. The furnaces 14 and 15 may be in the order of twelvefeet in length, for example, and by j the time the blanks have completedthe traverse through the furnaces the ends of the blanks are thoroughlyheated and ready for working in the desired manner.

After the blanks 12 have been properly heated they are carried toaworking station generally designated by the numeral 16. The workingstation 16 is provided with a pair of opposed working or reducing heads17 and 18. located adjacent the opposite ends of a blank positioned atthe working station and arranged to engage the tips of the blank andprogressively reduce the same to provide the desired taper.

Referring now to Figures 24, illustrating the reducing heads 17 and I?in more detail, the reference numeral 19 designates an elongated basewhich is disposed transversely to the principal axis of the strip lineand conveyor l3, and which supports at its opposite ends a pair ofslidable carriages 2t) and 2t. The carriages 2d and 21 are positioned oneither side of the conveyor apparatus 13, and are arranged for slidingmovement toward and away from the main axis or centerline of theconveyor.

To adjustably position the slidable carriages 2b and 23 there areprovided, in the illustrated apparatus, elongated threaded shafts 22which engage the base 19 and the carriages may be accurately adjustedand retained in a desired position. Preferably, separate adjusting meansare provided for each of the carriages so that independent adjustmentsmay be effected.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the carriages 2i? and 21 are comprised of aheavy base plate 2 3 and side walls formed of suitable I-beams, channelsor the like. Mounted upon the base plate 23, intermediate the sidewalls, are spaced rails or tracks 24 and 25, which are disposedtransversely of the axis of the conveyor 13. Supported upon the rails 24and 25, by means of heavy wheels 26 are heavy C- shaped roll backingmembers 27 and 23 which open inwardly, toward the conveyor apparatus 13.The roll backing members 27 and 23 are steel castings or weldments andare provided with large flanges 29 adjacent the throat area so that thestructures may resist vertical expansion forces exerted upon the upperand lower arms 30 and 31.

Supported upon the lower arm 31 of each C-shaped roll backing member isa flat horizontal cam plate 32 which is formed of hardened steel. Uponthe upper arm 30 there is provided a downwardly facing contoured camplate 33 which, in accordance with the objects of the invention,inclines downwardly somewhat toward the front or open face of the rollbacking member.

Positioned approximately midway between the inwardly facing cam plates32 and 33 are fiat platforms 34 and 35 which are integral or at leastfixed parts of the slidable carriages and 21.

At the outer ends of the carriages 2t) and 21 are rigidly mounted highpower hydraulic cylinders 36 and 37 which connect with the C-shaped rollbacking members 27 and 28 in such manner as to provide for the movementof the latter toward and away from the conveyor apparatus, along theirsupporting rails 24 and 25.

In accordance with the teachings of my present invention, and inaccordance with the basic teachings of my prior patents, there ismounted upon each of the C-shaped roll backing members 27 and 28 a rollsupporting slide 38 or 39. Each slide is comprised of a yoke 40 which isconnected at its outer end with a small hydraulic cylinder 41, and whichis guided in its C-shaped roll backing mem bers 27 and 28 by means ofsupports 42.

At the forward ends of the yoke members 40 are provided upwardlyextending bearing supports 43, upon which are pivotally mounted pairs offorwardly extending roll supporting arms 44 and 45. The arms 44 and 45are arranged to extend respectively above and below the horizontalplatforms 34 and 35; and each pair of arms mounts a working roll 46 or47.

As shown in Figure 4, the rolls 46 and 47 are of larger diameter throughthe center portion than at the ends. The enlarged center portions of therolls constitute the working surfaces, while the reduced outer endportions bear against the cam plates 32 and 33. And in this respect, itwill be observed in Figure 4 that the cam plates are arranged in sets orassemblies, each of two cam members, so that back-up support is providedat both sides of roll members, while clearance is provided for theenlarged working portions.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, it will be observed that when thesmall hydraulic cylinder 41 is in extended relation, positioning theroll supporting slide 40 in its forwardmost position with respect to thesliding carriage member 28, the rolls 4s and 47 are positioned adjacentthe forward edge of the platform 34. The lower roll 47, along its topportion, engages the lower surface of the platform 34, while the reducedouter portions of the roll are supported by the lower cam plate 32. Theupper roll engages, at its reduced outer portions, the downwardly facinginclined surface of the upper cam plate 33. This latter reli is held inengagement with the upper cam plate, in spaced above relation to theplat-form 34, by means of springs 48 which act through levers to urgethe upper roll supporting arms 44 in an upwardly direction.

In accordance with the teachings of the invention the platforms 34 and35 are so positioned with respect to the conveyor apparatus 13 that theforwardly moving spring leaf blanks pass above the upper surface of theplatforms, in such manner that the outer end or tip portions of theblanks are supported by the platforms.

In the illustrated apparatus-the rolls 46 and 47 are sufficiently largethroughout their working portions to accommodate a pair of blanks. Thus,when two blanks are moved into position the conveyor is stopped. At thistime the main hydraulic actuators 36 and 37 are energized to drawoutwardly upon the roll backing members 27 and 28, while at the sametime the small or auxiliary actuator 41 is retained in an extendedposition so that the reducing rolls 46 and 47 are held in theirforwardrnost positions.

As the roll backing members 27 and 23 move outward ly, with the rolls 46and 47 remaining stationary, the upper cam plates 33 will cause theupper rolls 46 to move downwardly into contact with the upper surfacesof the spring blanks. At this point there is sufficient frictionalengagement between the upper rolls .6, spring blanks l2 and upper cams33 to cause the rolls 46 to be rolled along the upper surface of thespring blanks by the movement of the cams 33.

Of course, as the cams 33 are drawn outwardly by the main actuators 36and 37 the rolls 46 are forced downwardly in a progressive manner,causing an increasingly severe deformation of the spring blam: as theroll moves longitudinally therealong.

Substantial forces are exerted by and upon the upper reducing rolls 46during a tapering operation, tending to lift the roll back-ing members27 and 28 as well as to downwardly deflect the platforms 34 and 35.Thus, it is an important feature of the invention that the lower rolls47 are drawn along with the upper rolls 46, in contact with the lowersurfaces of platforms 3-4 and 35 and with the upper surfaces of camplates 32, in such manner as to simultaneously resist the upward forcesexerted upon the carriages and the downward forces exerted upon theplatforms 34 and 35. This is a novel and highly advantageous arrangementsince all of the large forces exerted by andupon the spring blank 12 areconfined within the C-shaped frames of the roll backing members 27 and28. These forces are isolated entirely from the slidable supports 20 and21, and from other parts of the apparatus, so that apart from the rollbacking members 27 and 28 the apparatus may be of a simple andeconomical construction.

Generally it is desirable to provide a longer taper in the case oflonger spring leaf blanks than for short blanks. Thus, it is one of thefeatures of this invention to provide means for regulating the rate atwhich the upper rolls 46 press down into and deform a spring blank, withrespect to the linear movement of the rolls along the blank. To this endI mount the upper cam plates 33 upon a backing member 50 which isreceived in the upper arm of the C-shaped back-up member 27 or 28 (seeFigure 3). The backing member 20 is provided with an arcuate bearingportion 51 at it-s'forward end which is received in a complementarysocket 52 in the upper arm 30. At the inner end of the backing member50, interposed between the latter and j the upper arm 30, is atransversely disposed wedge-shaped adjusting member 53 which can bemanipulated by means of an adjusting screw 54 to raise or lower theinner end of the backing member 50, thereby changing the angle of thecam 33 so that the roll 46 will be moved downwardly at an increased ordecreased rate as it moves longitudinally along the spring blank.

As will be observed in Figures 3 and 4, the upper cam plates 33 areretained in assembled relation with the C-shaped backing members 27 and28 by means of a plurality of upwardly extending tie rods 55 and 56which project through the upper wall portions of the backing members 27and 28. By means of suitable coil springs 57 and 58 interposed betweenthe upper ends of the tie rods and the upper wall portions of thebacking members 27 and 28 the cam plates 33 are yieldably retained inthis assembled position, while being readily adjustable in the mannerabove described so that the angle of taper may be adjusted as desired.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 5, it will be observed that the conveyorapparatus 13, which provides a continuous flow of blanks from the stripline through the pointing or reducing station, is comprised of anelongated endless chain 59 which is entrained about a pair of spacedsprockets 60 and 61 and supported along its upper horizontal reach bymeans of an elongated channel member 62. The chain 59 is formed ofrelatively large links, alternate ones of which mount brackets 63 forsupporting and positioning transversely disposed spring leaf blanks asthe same move along the conveyor traverse.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the brackets 63 are horizontally andtransversely disposed supports which are of an inverted T-shaped crosssection. The supports are arranged to receive spring leaf blanks in suchmanner that the same are supported in a fairly stable manner by thehorizontal portions of the brackets, while the upwardly extendingportions thereof engage the forward edges of the blanks to maintain thesame in the desired transverse disposition. In the cutting and roughforming of the blanks, which is performed prior to the feeding thereofonto the conveyor apparatus, a small aperture is provided in the centerof the blank. Thus, I further provide a small pin 64 which extendsupwardly from each of the brackets so as to be received within thecentral aperture of the blank. In this manner the blanks are securelyheld upon the conveyor during their entire traverse through the heatingfurnaces and pointing stations.

Preferably the brackets 63 are so mounted as to be readilyinterchangeable. Thus, when pointing long spring leaves, which may be asmuch as six feet in length, it may be desirable to use a bracket whichis about one foot long, while in pointing small leaves, which may be asshort as eight inches, for example, a three to fourinch bracket isdesirable.

In Figure 2, the apparatus is shown in position for pointing springleaves of relatively large length; and for this operation the slidingcarriages 20 and 21 are drawn into a retracted position by manipulationof the screws 22, and a relatively long conveyor bracket 63 is employed.In Figure 3, on the other hand, the apparatus is shown in position forpointing a spring leaf of minimum length. In this case the maincarriages 20 and 21 are moved into their forwardmost positions, and ashort conveyor bracket, not specifically shown is employed.

With respect to the last described arrangement, wherein the carriages 20and 21 are moved to their forwardmost positions, it will be noted thatthe pointing operations are effected one end at a time since, as will beobserved in Figure 3, one back-up member must be retracted to permit theother to be moved into pointing position. For larger sizes, of course,the back-up members 27 and 28 do not interfere with each other when inpointing position so that the operation can be simultaneously effectedat each end.

It will be, understood, of course, that whenever the carriages 20 and 21are adjusted inwardly or outwardly of the conveyor axis to accommodate anew blank size the furnaces 14 and 15 are also adjusted accordingly. Andfor this purpose I prefer to mount the furnaces 14 and 15 on skids 14'and 15, permitting bodily movement of the furnaces inwardly or outwardlyof the conveyor axis.

Referring again to Figure 5, it will be observed that the forwardsprocket wheel .59 is interconnected through a shaft 65 with a ratchetwheel 66. Adjacent the ratchet Wheel 66 is a small hydraulic cylinder 67which connects with a ratchet linkage 6869. The member 69 of the linkageis provided with a pin 70 which engages the teeth in the ratchet wheel66, being retained in engagement therewith by means of an extensiblecoil spring 71. Thus, upon a full forward stroke of the cylinder 67 thepin 70 engages the ratchet wheel and causes the same to rotate througha. predetermined angle. Upon a return stroke of the cylinder the pin 70slips over the teeth of the ratchet wheel, into position for asubsequent forward stroke.

Preferably, the ratchet mechanism is so arranged that upon each forwardstroke of the cylinder two new spring blanks are moved into positionbetween the pointing stations 17 and 18. The main actuators 36 and 37are then actuated to effect a pointing operation, following which thefeed cylinder 67 is again actuated to convey the finished parts away andto move new blanks into position.

It should now be apparent that I have fulfilled the objects of theinvention as initially set forth. I have provided a versatile andintegrated apparatus which is operative in an improved manner to taperthe end portions of spring leaf blanks and the like. The apparatus is ofa highly simplified and economical design for the purpose intended,while being rugged and maintenance free.

One of the important features of the invention resides on thearrangement of the reducing rolls 46 and 47 in such manner that one ofthe rolls progressively deforms a spring blank resting upon a flatsupport or platform, while the other roll acts in opposition against theplatform, as a back-up roll as distinguished from a working roll. Inthis manner the blank is reduced or tapered on one side only, while thelarge forces required for the operation are effectively confined withinthe shorted practicable circuit, namely wholly within the C-shapedback-up frames 27 and 28.

The apparatus is easily adjustable to accommodate all standard sizes ofspring leaf blanks; and in this respect means are provided for varyingthe rate, per unit of linear movement, at which the working rollincreasingly deforms the blank stock.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a novelarrangement for feeding spring leaf blanks from a strip feeding andprocessing line into the pointing or reducing stations. An improvedconveyor apparatus is provided which is arranged to continuously carrythe blanks, more or less in a step-by-step manner, along banks offurnaces or heaters which. first soften and prepare the ends of theblanks for pointing, and then into position between opposed pointingstations. And except in the case of extremely short blanks, the oppositeends of the blanks may be pointed simultaneously.

It should be understood, however, that the specific apparatusillustrated herein is intended to be representative only, as manychanges may be made therein without departing from the clear teachingsof the invention. Reference should therefore be had to the followingappended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for reducing a metal blank on one side only comprising aplatform for supporting said blank,

,a roll supporting ,slide, a first roll carried by said, slide andadapted to engage said platform on the side thereof opposite saidblank,asecond roll carried by said slide onengagingthe outer portion of saidsecond roll whereby upon movement ofsaid frame said rolls are rotatedand moved longitudinally by frictional engagement with said frame,.saidcam .plate causing said second roll to be forced toward said blank tocause a reduction of the ,same,,.said first roll acting upon saidplatform to oppose the forces exerted by said second roll.

,2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further characterized ,by saidback-up frame comprising a heavy C-shaped frame embracing said platformbetween its upper and lower arms.

3. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 further including adjustable means tocause said cam plate to be variably inclined .with respect to saidback-up frame whereby to provide for a tapering reduction of said blank.

4. An,,apparatus for reducing a metal blank on one side only comprisinga base, a carriage slidably supported on said base and adjustablymovable thereon, a platform mounted on said carriage and adapted tosupport a metal blank, 21 roll supporting slide on said carriage, afirst roll mounted on said slide and adapted to engage said platformonthe side thereof opposite said blank, a second roll mountedon said slideand adapted to engage said blank, arigidback-up frame movably supportedon said carriage, said back-up frame having cam means engaging saidrolls and adapted upon longitudinal movement of said frame to cause saidrolls to move longitudinally and to cause said second roll to bedepressed into said blank, actuator means on said carriage engaging saidback-up frame for moving the latter longitudinally, conveyor meansdisposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of said carriage andframe and adapted to move blanks into adjacency with said rolls, saidcarriage means beingadjustableon said base toward and away from saidconveyor means to accommodate blanks of various lengths.

5. Apparatus for reducingthe opposite end portions of a metal blankcomprising a conveyor device adapted to support metal blanks at theircenter portion and to move the same transversely of their principalaxes, reducing stations positioned on opposite sides of said conveyordevice adjacent the discharge end thereof, said reducing stations eachhaving a pair of rolls and a back-up frame therefor and being adapted tomove longitudinally outwardly of said blanks to reduce the end portionsthereof,

and heating means positioned in parallel relation with said conveyordevice on both sides thereof and embracing the end portions of blanksmoving on said conveyor device to heat the end portions of said blanksas the same progress toward said reducing stations, said heating meansand reducing stations being adjustable toward and away from saidconveyor device to accommodate blanks of various lengths.

Q U 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 further characterized by saidconveyor device comprising an endless chain,

means supporting the upper reach of said chain, and

.means carried by certain of the links of said chain and extendingtransversely thereof for positioning and supporting metal blanks.

7. Apparatus for reducing the end portion of a metal blank comprising aroll supporting slide, first and second rolls mounted on said slideabove and below the plane of said metal blank, a rigido-shaped back-upframe, said frame having cam means engaging the outer portions of saidrolls and arranged upon longitudinal movement of said back-up frame withrespect to said rolls to cause said rolls to converge, and conveyormeans disposed transversely to said back-up frame for moving metalblanks laterally into embraced relation within the upper and lower armsof said C-shaped backing member.

8. In an apparatus for reducing the end portions of metal blanks and ofthe type having a pair of rolls positioned above and below the blank, arigid back-up frame, and cam means carried by said back-up frame andengaging the outer portions of said rolls and adapted upon longitudinalmovement to cause said rolls to move linearly as Well as in a convergingdirection; the improvement characterized by at least one of said camsbeing pivotally mounted on said back-up frame whereby the rateconvergence of said rolls may be varied.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 further characterized by said back-upframe having an arcuate bearing socket, said one of said cam meanshaving anarcuate bearing pad portion received in said socket, andadjustable means interconnecting said last mentioned cam means and saidback-up frame for rotating said last mentioned cam means with respect tosaid back-up frame.

10. An apparatus for reducing a metal blank on one side only comprisinga platform for supporting said blank, a roll supporting slide, a firstroll carried by said slide and adapted to engage said platform on theside thereof opposite said blank, a second roll carried by said slideand adapted to engage said blank, rigid back-up means for said rollsengaging the outer portion thereof, and adapted upon longitudinalmovement to cause said second roll to converge on said platform, a firstactuator for moving said back-up means longitudinally, and a secondactuator for moving said roll supporting slide longitudinally, thearrangement being such that said rolls may be initially moved into andretained in a forwardmost position, said rolls being movable rearwardlyby frictional engagement with said back-up means upon rearwardlongitudinal movement of the latter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

